Visa to Germany

To travel to Germany, Russian citizens need to obtain a visa. Previously, visa to Germany could be obtained as a single, double or multiple entry, depending on the decision of the German Consulate. At the moment most Schengen countries issue single entry visas to Russian citizens for the duration of the trip. Germany is no exception. The Consulate officially announced that Russian citizens will be issued only single entry type C visas (tourist, guest, business, for medical treatment).

If you are planning a trip to Germany, then you need to decide on the purpose of your trip. Most often, Russian citizens go to Germany for tourism or business purposes. 

If your trip involves business purposes, such as visiting a German company, you must contact the inviting organization to receive an invitation, a copy of which will be sufficient for you to apply for a visa. Based on the above invitation, you may be issued a visa to Germany category C. 

If you are planning a tourist trip and the purpose of your visit to Germany is tourism, you will need to apply for a tourist visa. You will need to book a hotel and buy airline tickets. When submitting documents for a visa, the consulate requests evidence of payment, such as: checks or a bank statement with transactions showing the amounts paid off for the hotel accommodation and the purchase of airline tickets. The procedure for obtaining a tourist visa will be described below. 

Please note that documents for a visa to Germany must be submitted by appointment. Visa processing times vary from two weeks to several months depending on the season and type of visa. Submission and receipt of documents can be done without the personal presence of the applicant, except in cases when the applicant has not provided fingerprints when applying for Schengen visas in the last 59 months. In this case, the submission of documents for visa processing must go through the Visa Center with mandatory fingerprinting. Confidence Group can accompany the applicant to this procedure. 

Documents must be submitted to the German Visa Service Center in Moscow, regardless of the applicant's registration. The German Visa Service Center is located at the following address: Moscow, Kiyevskaya st., 2, Kiyevsky Shopping Center, 3rd floor. 

As of October 2024, Germany is still accepting documents for tourist visas for Russian citizens, but it is often problematic to organize the submission of these documents in Moscow in the standard manner due to the lack of slots for submission, which appear once in few months. The main difficulty faced by applicants wishing to obtain a tourist visa to Germany is the need to provide evidence of the availability of financial resources for the duration of their stay in the territory of the Schengen country. Only current statements issued in the applicant's name from a verifiable bank operating in an EU Member State will be accepted for consideration. The document must include information on the current amount of funds in the account(s). The applicant must provide relevant bank statements for the last 3 months. 

Despite all the difficulties Confidence Group has the ability to submit documents for a tourist visa to Germany, including the provision of a minimum package of documents from your side. The cost of this visa will vary significantly. It should also be noted that Germany was one of the first countries to introduce a requirement for an insurance policy, which is included in the list of documents required for a visa. Insurance must be issued in the EU by one of the insurance companies registered in the territory of the European Union. The Confidence Group provides assistance in the registration of these insurance policies. You can leave a request for insurance policy on our website. 

Please note that recently the trend towards tightening entry requirements for Russian citizens is obvious, we strongly recommend that when crossing the border you have with you the documents on the basis of which the visa to Schengen country was issued. If border guards request these documents and you not provide them, entry into the Schengen area may be denied, even if a visa has been issued. 

Below you can find information about the types of visas, processing times, cost of consular fees, as well as the specifics of obtaining a visa to Germany for Russian citizens:

* for citizens from other countries the cost of consular fee is different. Please check the actual price with Confidence Group consultants. 

Below you can find a list of necessary documents for obtaining a visa to Germany for Russian citizens. 

It is strongly recommended to provide a complete set of documents in accordance with the list of requirements below in order to avoid delays in visa processing. The decision on issuing a visa is within the competence of the German diplomatic mission in Russia. Please bear in mind to the fact that the diplomatic mission has the right to request additional documents, which may increase the processing time of the application. 

Applicants must have originals and copy of all required documents. 

List of documents required for obtaining a visa to Germany for Russian citizens, depending on the type of visa. 

In case of applying for a business visa:           

1.  Original or copy of an invitation from a business partner in Germany that meets the following requirements:

     ·  contains a declaration of acceptance of expenses in accordance with §§ 66-68 of the Law on the residence of foreign citizens in Germany (AufenthaltG);

     ·  on the company's letterhead;

     ·  written in German or English;

     ·  contains precise information about the purpose of the trip and the duration of stay;

     ·  with the original signature of the person authorized to sign an invitation, indicating his name, position and function in the company (if possible, with an extract from the company's trade register, confirming this information). If the inviting person is not authorized, the power of attorney must be notarized.

2.  Extract from the Unified State Register of Legal Entities of a Russian company. The extract must be valid for 1 month.

3.  Copies of roundtrip tickets indicating the applicant's name and travel dates. According to practice, the Consulate requires evidence of payment (checks, bank statements with transactions).

4.  Confirmation of paid accommodation indicating the applicant's name and travel dates for the entire period of stay in the territory of the EU. According to practice, the Consulate additionally requires confirmation of payment (checks, bank statements with transactions).

5.  Financial guarantees (if not specified in the invitation):

       ·  confirmation of finances for the duration of stay in the territory of the EU countries. Bank statements must be issued in the applicant's name from a verifiable bank operating in EU countries. The document must contain information about the actual amount of funds in the account(s). The applicant must provide relevant bank statements for the last 3 months. By providing the above bank statement, the applicant confirms that the funds in his account/card will be available for use in EU countries.

6.  Confirmation of employment or other regular sources of income:

     ·  for company employees: a certified copy of the work record book, as well as the original, signed and sealed certificate from work indicating the contact information of the organization. The certificate must indicate the applicant’s first and last name, position, monthly salary and the days of the business trip.

     ·  for individual entrepreneurs: certificate of registration of individual entrepreneur (original and copy), 2-NDFL or 3-NDFL form and an extract from the trade/tax register.

In case of applying for a tourist visa:

1.  Copies of paid roundtrip tickets indicating the applicant's name and travel dates. According to practice, the Consulate additionally requires confirmation of payment (e.g. checks, bank statements with transactions).

2.  Paid accommodation indicating the applicant's name and travel dates for the entire period of stay in the territory of EU countries. According to practice, the Consulate additionally requires confirmation of payment (e.g. checks, bank statements with transactions).

3.  Financial guarantees:

     ·  confirmation of finances for the duration of stay in the territory of the EU countries. Bank statements must be issued in the applicant's name from a verifiable bank operating in EU countries. The document must contain information about the actual amount of funds in the account(s). The applicant must provide relevant bank statements for the last 3 months. By providing the above bank statement, the applicant confirms that the funds in his account/card will be available for use in EU countries.

4.  Confirmation of employment, study or regular sources of income:

     ·  for employees: a certified copy of the work record book, as well as the original, signed and sealed certificate from work indicating the contact information of the organization. The certificate must indicate the applicant’s first and last name, position, monthly salary and vacation dates

     ·  for individual entrepreneurs: certificate of registration of individual entrepreneur (original and copy), 2-NDFL or 3-NDFL form and an extract from the trade/tax register.

     ·  for students: original certificate and signed letter from school/college/university confirming enrollment.

     ·  for retiree: original and copy of pension certificate and/or current certificates of pension payment. 

In case of applying for a private visa:

For the purpose of visiting friends and/or relatives:

1.  Original and copy of invitation from the host party:

     ·  formal declaration of acceptance of obligations (Verpflichtungserklärung) in accordance with §§ 66-68 of the Law on the residence of foreign citizens in Germany (AufenthaltG). This document is valid for 6 months. The original of this document is submitted to the Diplomatic Mission for reviewing and will be returned upon receipt of the passport. If the host party is not a German citizen, copies of the personal data pages of the passport and residence permit must be provided.

     ·  a signed and dated letter of invitation from the actual inviting party (not necessarily the same as the inviting party indicated in the declaration of acceptance of obligations "Verpflichtungserklärung"). The invitation letter must contain contact details and details of the relationship with the applicant, as well as confirm the purpose, duration of the trip and address of stay in Germany. A copy of the personal data page of the passport and, if applicable, a copy of the residence permit of the inviting party must be provided. A letter of invitation must also be submitted, even if there is a formal declaration of acceptance of obligations (Verpflichtungserklärung).

2.  Round-trip tickets paid by the inviting party, indicating the applicant's name and travel dates. According to practice, the Consulate additionally requires confirmation of payment (e.g. checks, bank statements with transactions).

3.  Paid accommodation indicating the applicant's name and travel dates for the entire period of stay in the territory of EU countries. According to practice, the Consulate additionally requires confirmation of payment (e.g. checks, bank statements with transactions).

4.  Financial guarantees (if no official application for a Verpflichtungserklärung has been submitted).

     ·  confirmation of finances for the duration of stay in the territory of the EU countries. Bank statements must be issued in the applicant's name from a verifiable bank operating in EU countries. The document must contain information about the actual amount of funds in the account(s). The applicant must provide relevant bank statements for the last 3 months. By providing the above bank statement, the applicant confirms that the funds in his account/card will be available for use in EU countries.

5.  Confirmation of employment, study or regular sources of income:

     ·  for employees: a certified copy of the work record book, as well as the original, signed and sealed certificate from work indicating the contact information of the organization. The certificate must indicate the applicant’s first and last name, position, monthly salary and vacation dates.

     ·  for individual entrepreneurs: certificate of registration of individual entrepreneur (original and copy), form 2-NDFL or 3-NDFL and an extract from the trade/tax register.

     ·  for students: original certificate and signed letter from school/college/university confirming enrollment.

     ·   for retiree: original and copy of pension certificate and/or current certificates of pension payment. 

For the purpose of visiting close relatives (spouses, grandparents, parents, brothers, sisters, children, grandchildren)

1.  Original and copy of invitation from the host party:

     ·  formal declaration of acceptance of obligations (Verpflichtungserklärung) in accordance with §§ 66-68 of the Law on the residence of foreign citizens in Germany (AufenthaltG). This document is valid for 6 months. The original of this document is submitted to the Diplomatic Mission for reviewing and will be returned upon receipt of the passport. If the host party is not a German citizen, copies of the personal data pages of the passport and residence permit must be provided.

     ·  if the formal declaration of acceptance of obligations (Verpflichtungserklärung) is not submitted: a signed and dated letter of invitation from the actual inviting party. The invitation letter must contain contact details and details of the relationship with the applicant, as well as confirm the purpose, duration of the trip and address of stay in Germany. A copy of the personal data page of the passport and, if applicable, a copy of the residence permit of the inviting party must be provided.

2.  Confirmation of relationship between the applicant and the inviting person:

     ·  to confirm your relationship with the inviting person, you must provide the relevant civil status documents (birth or marriage certificates, civil status records, if any). Documents issued in a foreign language must be provided with a notarized translation.

3.  Copies of round-trip tickets paid by the inviting party indicating the applicant's last name, first name and travel dates.

4.  Confirmation of paid accommodation indicating the applicant's surname, first name and dates of travel for the entire period of stay in the territory of the EU countries, if the inviting person does not indicate accommodation in the invitation. According to practice, the Consulate additionally requires confirmation of payment (e.g. checks, bank statements with transactions).

5.  Financial guarantees (if official application for a Verpflichtungserklärung was not submitted).

     ·  confirmation of finances for the duration of stay in the territory of the EU countries. Bank statements must be issued in the applicant's name from a verifiable bank operating in EU countries. The document must contain information about the actual amount of funds in the account(s). The applicant must provide relevant bank statements for the last 3 months. By providing the above bank statement, the applicant confirms that the funds in his account/card will be available for use in EU countries.

6.  Confirmation of employment, study or regular sources of income:

     ·  for employees: a certified copy of the work record book, as well as the original, signed and sealed certificate from work indicating the contact information of the organization. The certificate must indicate the applicant’s first and last name, position, monthly salary and vacation dates.

     ·  for individual entrepreneurs: certificate of registration of individual entrepreneur (original and copy), form 2-NDFL or 3-NDFL and an extract from the trade/tax register.

     ·  for students: original certificate and signed letter from school/college/university confirming enrollment.

     ·  for retiree: original and copy of pension certificate and/or current certificates of pension payment.

The following documents are required from the applicant when applying for any type of visa to Germany:

1.  Original printed completed visa application. The application must be completed online on the website:

     ·  All pages of the online application must be printed out. Please note that the form must be signed in the designated areas.

2.  Consent to the processing of personal data. The document must be printed out, signed and submitted together with the visa application and additional documents.

3.  A foreign passport (original and copy), which must meet the following criteria:

     ·  the date of issue must not exceed 10 years;

     ·  the document must be signed;

     ·  it must contain at least 2 blank pages for the visa;

     ·  the document must be valid for at least 90 days after the expected date of return. 

If fingerprints were previously provided when applying for a Schengen visa, a copy of that visa must be attached. If you have a cancelled or other valid foreign passport, you must submit the original document and attach copies of the pages with personal data and Schengen visas to the application.

4.  2 color photos taken within the last 6 months, on a white or light background, size 35mm x 45mm, with the face centered in the frame.

5.  Travel medical insurance with the applicant's name must be:

     ·  issued in the EU;

     ·  valid throughout the Schengen area and for the intended period of stay;

     ·  cover emergency medical care and repatriation, including the risk of death;

     ·  have coverage of at least 30000 Euros.

Please note: travel medical insurance issued in Russia is not accepted. You can apply for an insurance policy issued by an EU insurance company on our website

6.  Original and copy of internal passport:

     ·  the following copies of the internal passport must be provided: all pages with personal data and marks, as well as pages 13-19.

7.  Confirmation of intent to return to Russia:

     ·  confirmation of ownership of real estate in Russia;

     ·  confirmation of ownership of one or more vehicles;

     ·  bank statements for the last 3 months showing the applicant's name and the final balance, issued within the last 2 weeks from the date of visa application;

     ·  confirmation of the presence of close relatives (spouse, children, parents) living in Russia (marriage or birth certificate). 

The Consular Section of the Embassy has the right to:

·         request additional documents/information;

·         refuse to issue a visa without giving a reason;

·         reduce the requested visa validity period and visa multiplicity. 

Additional services of Confidence Group when applying for a visa to Germany for Russian citizens

*the cost of support includes 2 hours of courier work, the cost of each subsequent hour of courier work is 1500 rubles;

** the cost of a medical insurance policy for applicants over 60 years of age is negotiated individually.

Confidence Group consultants will be happy to advise you on the specifics of obtaining visas to Germany, help you collect the necessary documents, fill out the application form and organize free delivery of documents from/to the Customer.

The procedure for obtaining a visa to Germany through Confidence Group is as follows

1)      filling out an application and agreeing on the required list of services;

2)      preparation of documents on applicant’s side;

3)      payment*;

4)      filling out an application and making an appointment to submit documents by Confidence Group consultant;

5)      receiving documents for applying for a visa via Confidence Group courier;

6)      submission of documents for a visa, payment of consular fee by a Confidence Group consultant. Accompanying to submit documents, if necessary;

7)      notify the Client about the submission of documents;

8)      receiving a passport with visa by Confidence Group consultant;

9)      delivery of documents (visa) to the Client.

* Payment can be made by the following:

·  to the company's current account in one of the Russian banks, or in the People's Bank of Kazakhstan;

·  cash;

·  QR code;

·  bank debit or credit card. 

Please note if you need to obtain a multiple-entry Schengen visa, we recommend you to obtain such a visa through French Consulate, which continues to issue Russian citizens, in most cases, multiple-entry visas for up to six months. The cost of this visa varies significantly, the details and more information available on our website. 

However, we remind you that it is necessary to enter the territory of the Schengen area through the state whose consulate issued the visa. 

Please note that recently the trend towards tightening entry requirements for Russian citizens is obvious, we strongly recommend that when crossing the border you have with you the documents on the basis of which the visa for entry into the Schengen country was issued. If border guards request these documents and you not provide them, entry into the Schengen country may be denied, even if a visa has been issued.

Should you have any additional questions, please contact Confidence Group consultants.